Panasonic Viera 42" TC-P42C1 720p 600Hz Plasma HDTV

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Anyone know the dif between this and the x1 that was at Dell a few weeks ago for $480?

There is a significant difference.

The C1 has an inferior contrast ratio, and the native resolution is lower. Here's a quick rundown/comparison:

TC-P42X1:
Contrast Ratio: Native: 30,000:1
Native Resolution (Number of Pixels): 786,432 (1,366 x 768)

TC-P42C1:
Native contrast 15,000:1
Native Resolution (Number of Pixels): 1024 x 768

The C1 also has a lower MSRP, so it's probably their *very* entry level 720p.

I should add that after you add $70 for shipping, and CA sales tax (if you live in CA), it's MUCH cheaper to get the TC-P42X1 (the better unit) from Amazon for under $600 delivered (last I checked, it was $596, but goes up/down weekly).

pass

Thanks for the info!

Don't fall for the contrast ratio scam. Most manufacturers use different standards to measure the contrast ratio. Some measure dynamic, others average.. etc. Panasonic uses different standards for different lines of product. It is all basically bunk these days. Panasonic's PX line at Costco say 15000:1 but are the exact same TV (except missing one HDMI port) as the WorstBuy units that claim 30000:1. The higher ratio supports the higher purchase price, that's it... Check AVSForums.com....

EchoTony,

I agree with you, however the parameters I presented were from Panasonic directly and both specs were based on the same measurement (native), so I think we have a pretty good apples-to-apples comparison.

Also, there is no denying that the pixel density of the X1 is higher than the C1, unless Panasonic again has a weird way of reporting "native resolution" between their product lines.

kcfong2: agree the native resolution is higher with the X1, and true 720 is 1280, so you can see native 720 picture on the X1, but an interpreted (scaled) version on the C1...
That might be worth it right there....

That being said, from what I understand about the contrast ratio stuff, you can't look at the specs and just compare. Even if they are represented as "native." Again, this is what I've gleamed over the last few years and is not in any way been proven right or wrong. But basically manufacturers are guilty of using different standards throughout their product lines to justify much higher premiums on basically the same panel.
Most consumers wouldn't understand that a superior scaler or processor is worth more money, but bigger numbers, that they "understand." So manufacturers will use any method they can to get high contrast ratios for their high end sets and will use measurements that produce lower ratios on the cheaper sets.
As far as buying from Amazon, I'm all for it. If you order a set from any online retailer, be sure to open the box and turn on the TV before you sign for it. If it doesn't work, reject it outright or you will be dealing with RMA's/Warranty/Repairs. Better to reject the unit and get a new one sent out right away.

Take it back to the store

#8, my friend #7 meant stores like compusa which have closed stores in many states. Or Fry's which just has a few physical stores.

Please don't be an ass and buy a 42 inch TV. If you are going to get a Plasma HDTV, get at least a 54 inch or a 50 inch if you must.

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